Rachel W. Manning | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Today, Mom joined Dad. He died in 1956, and though Mom married again, she never stopped loving him.

    Mom was 36 at the time and had to raise three children on her own, aged 13, 12, and 5. It was not easy, but she provided all three with happy birthdays, merry Christmases, and a warm and loving home. She made sure all three got the help they needed and an education which would take them through life. These things she did alone, and with an eleventh grade education. Mom was born on March 16, 1920, to Elmer Lee Winfield and Eva Mae Carowan Winfield, the eighth of nine children. All the others have already gone. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Rachel Whitley Yeates of Homosassa, Florida; her daughter, Jeannie Elizabeth Whitley Benson of Pantego, North Carolina; Jeannie's three children, Jill Elizabeth Benson Williamson of Bayboro, Nancy Lynn Benson Russ and Oran Martin Benson, Jr., both of Pantego; and her son John Franklin Whitley, III of Raleigh and his daughter Hannah Elizabeth Whitley of Silver Spring, Maryland. She leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Macy Elizabeth Williamson, Avery Marina Williamson, Dale Anthony Russ, Rachel Lynn Russ, Allen Martin Benson, Brent Harris Benson. She was preceded in death by grandson Wayne Yeates, and great-grandson Cole Whitley Benson. Mom brought joy and happiness also to her second husband, George Henry Manning and his family--Mom lost him in 1967. Though there was great sadness in her long life, Mom never lost her sense of humor and was always available for sympathy, laughter, and advice for all her family as well as all her friends in and around Pantego and elsewhere, most of who have already gone. All who knew her will miss her quick and constant smile, her zest for life, and her warm and caring affection. Her family wishes to thank everyone who shares our loss, and we especially wish to thank the staff of Autumnfield for so conscientiously and affectionately caring for our mother during her final days.

    A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 5, 2015 in Oakdale Cemetery. Hannah Elizabeth Whitley, Avery Marina Williamson, Macy Elizabeth Williamson, Dale Anthony Russ, Rachel Lynn Russ, Allen Martin Benson and Brent Harris Benson will serve as pallbearers.

    In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mom's name to your favorite charity.

    Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Manning family.